Spumoni Bars are an irresistibly whimsical treat that layers cherry, pistachio, and chocolate chip dough for a dessert as beautiful as it is delicious. Every bite is a playful nod to the beloved Italian spumoni ice cream, but in a bar form that’s perfect for sharing. This recipe combines tender butter cookie layers with festive color and contrasting flavors, making it a go-to choice for holidays, celebrations, or simply turning an ordinary day into something a little more special. If you’re looking to bring a pop of joy (and a wow factor) to your dessert table, Spumoni Bars are exactly what you need!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a quick peek at the stars of our show! Each ingredient in Spumoni Bars isn’t just along for the ride—they each play a crucial role in creating those delightful flavors and stunning layers. Here’s what you’ll need, along with pro tips to help you get the best texture, color, and flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Softened for easier creaming and that ultra-tender cookie base.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and gives that perfect cookie crumb.
- Powdered sugar: Adds a melt-in-your-mouth softness, balancing the regular sugar.
- Large eggs: Binds everything together and enriches the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and elevates both the chocolate and cherry notes.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that keeps your bars from crumbling when you slice them.
- Baking powder: Just enough lift for a tender, light bite.
- Salt: Brings out the best in both sweet and nutty notes—don’t skip it!
- Chopped maraschino cherries: For sweet, chewy pops of color—drain and pat them dry so the layers stay distinct.
- Mini chocolate chips: Chocolatey flecks in every bite; the mini version layers more evenly.
- Chopped pistachios: Add that signature spumoni crunch and lovely green hue.
- Red and green food coloring (optional): For vibrant, playful layers that look as festive as they taste.
How to Make Spumoni Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Get things started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper (or grease it lightly) so your Spumoni Bars release like a dream once they’re done. This simple step not only ensures easy removal but also keeps your gorgeous layers as intact as possible.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes visibly fluffy and pale—this air helps give your bars a delicate, tender texture. Don’t rush this step; a few extra minutes of mixing here pays off with every bite later.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. Once both eggs are mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract. This gives the dough richness and the deep aroma that really shines in Spumoni Bars.
Step 4: Combine and Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms. This stage sets up your dough for those clean, beautiful layers.
Step 5: Divide and Tint the Dough
Now comes the fun part—dividing your dough into three equal portions! To one, fold in the well-drained, patted-dry maraschino cherries and a little red food coloring if you want an extra pop. To the second, add your mini chocolate chips. To the last, stir in the chopped pistachios and a hint of green coloring if you like. Each third becomes its own colorful, flavorful layer.
Step 6: Layer the Dough
Start by pressing the pistachio dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing it out with clean hands or a flat spatula. Next, gently spread the chocolate chip dough over top, doing your best to avoid blending the layers. Finish with the cherry layer, pressing it out smoothly for the final touch. The visual payoff at slicing time is worth every extra second!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely right in the pan. This keeps the layers neat when slicing and ensures that Spumoni Bars hold their irresistible shape.
How to Serve Spumoni Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped pistachios, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a few whole maraschino cherries on top of each bar makes these treats even more eye-catching. If you want that bakery window wow, a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving will add the perfect touch.
Side Dishes
Spumoni Bars play beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio gelato for a full-on Italian-inspired dessert plate. For a cozy afternoon spread, serve them alongside a hot cup of espresso, cappuccino, or strong black tea—each sip brings out a different note in these festive bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing Spumoni Bars into neat diamonds or tiny squares and pile them on a vintage platter for a party-ready tray. Sandwich two bars together with a layer of whipped cream or mascarpone for an indulgent twist, or gift them in a clear box tied with ribbon for a treat that doubles as a homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Spumoni Bars are fully cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If stacking, layer a sheet of parchment or wax paper between to keep the colors and flavors distinct.
Freezing
For longer storage, Spumoni Bars freeze beautifully! Arrange bars in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can grab one (or three) whenever a craving strikes. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
Although these bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can freshen them up by letting frozen bars sit at room temp for 30 minutes or giving them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave. This revives their tender texture and brings out the buttery aroma.
FAQs
Can I make Spumoni Bars without food coloring?
Absolutely! Food coloring just amps up the visual fun, but the bars will be just as delicious with their natural hues. The cherries and pistachios bring plenty of color on their own.
What can I substitute for pistachios if I have a nut allergy?
Try sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or simply leave out the nuts—just add a few extra chocolate chips or a different mix-in to balance the texture in that layer.
How do I keep the cherry layer from bleeding into the others?
The key is to dry the maraschino cherries thoroughly after draining, so excess syrup doesn’t seep out. Gentle pressing with a paper towel works wonders.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, and you’ll be everyone’s favorite! Use two 9×13-inch pans or a single larger baking sheet, keeping an eye on baking time since thicker or larger pans may need extra minutes.
Do Spumoni Bars travel well for potlucks or gift boxes?
They sure do! Their sturdy bar shape and vibrant layers make them perfect for stacking and packaging. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment if making ahead for events.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to let a little color and a whole lot of fun into your kitchen, Spumoni Bars will not disappoint. They’re a showstopper with so much personality in every square, yet simple enough for anyone to make. Go ahead—try them out, share a batch, and watch them disappear!
Print
Spumoni Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Spumoni Bars, a layered dessert featuring pistachios, cherries, and chocolate. These Italian-inspired treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, colorful confection.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Layers:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Flavor Additions:
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained and patted dry
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture to form a soft dough.
- Divide and flavor dough: Divide dough into three parts. Add cherries and red coloring to one, chocolate chips to another, and pistachios with green coloring to the third. Layer doughs in prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for 28-32 minutes until set. Cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- To prevent bleeding, ensure cherries are well-drained. Store bars airtight for up to 4 days or freeze for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
